Installing new lifters
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 359
Likes: 2
From: central Mississippi
Installing new lifters
I plan on installing a new set of lifters next week in my 95 Ultra. I've never done this particular job before, but I've got a shop manual so I should be able to do it. The shop manual says to use a Harley guide alignment tool to line up the new lifters. Is this a tool I have to buy, or is there a safe way to do it without this tool, just in case the dealer doesn't have one in stock. According to the shop manual, I can remove the lifters and guides together, using a bent paper clip, then insert the new lifters into the guides, align with the alignment tool, and bolt everything back down. Is that about it, any hidden things I need to know about that the manual doesn't mention?? I've got e-z install adjustable pushrods on the bike, so I shouldn't have to mess with the top end. Thanks.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 166
Likes: 2
From: Pa
The tool that you your manual refers to looks like a miniature drift punch with the small end having a 1/4-20 thread. You need two of them and they screw into opposing holes on the lifter guides to align them while you tighten the other two bolts. Also used to align the oil pump on a twin cam motor. Dealer may have them for sale, if not you can find them almost anywhere on line. Google - lifter block alignment tool.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
Your really only need one, as that will align the lifter block. The last one I bought was $15.00 at Harley, but I think it was an aftermarket one. You will also need a 12 point 1/4" socket to remove the bolts. The only place I could find one was Sears.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
I've done this several times now and have always just lined up the 4 lifter block bolt holes with the case holes and thead in the 4 bolts by hand, no issues.
You will need a way to hold the lifters so they don't fall in, I use a piece of piano size wire about 2" long bent in half.Also if your thinking of doing any work in the cam cavity this would be the time as it also helps in dropping the lifters in place.
You will need a way to hold the lifters so they don't fall in, I use a piece of piano size wire about 2" long bent in half.Also if your thinking of doing any work in the cam cavity this would be the time as it also helps in dropping the lifters in place.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 7
From: Binghamton New York
I've done this several times now and have always just lined up the 4 lifter block bolt holes with the case holes and thread in the 4 bolts by hand, no issues.
You will need a way to hold the lifters so they don't fall in, I use a piece of piano size wire about 2" long bent in half.Also if your thinking of doing any work in the cam cavity this would be the time as it also helps in dropping the lifters in place.
You will need a way to hold the lifters so they don't fall in, I use a piece of piano size wire about 2" long bent in half.Also if your thinking of doing any work in the cam cavity this would be the time as it also helps in dropping the lifters in place.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 43
From: NJ
For 6bucks just order the tool:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Oil-P...7fa4e5&vxp=mtr
I'd like to know just how you use the paper clasp arms??? I love stuff like that...
Thanks
Doug
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-Oil-P...7fa4e5&vxp=mtr
I'd like to know just how you use the paper clasp arms??? I love stuff like that...
Thanks
Doug
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 4
From: south of Boston
gonna have to agree with this....i've done it a number of times on EVOs without using it
but, no harm in buying the tool.... i ended up using mine to hold the oil pump in on a twin cam when i did a friend's cams
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 5
Use the tool... this tool will help in something not mentioned yet... you HAVE to make sure that the hole in the new gasket you use lines up with the oil passage from the crankcase which in turn pumps up the lifters, and allows oil up the pushrods to lubricate the upper end.. meaning rockers boxes, valves, etc.. PLUS, the tool does not help you "center" the tappet roller, as much as ALIGN it parralel (sp?) to the cam. ALTHOUGH--lol--I have done it without the tool... embarrassed moment here. This is a great project btw. Good luck.
Last edited by Jethro; Mar 16, 2012 at 09:35 PM.
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